Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele has claimed shot stopper David De Gea is destined to become a great player for the club in coming years following his epic performance against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

The Spanish keeper earned plaudits from every corner after his super saves earned a 1-1 Champions League draw against Madrid, the Sun reports.

Steele said De Gea would become a big keeper for the biggest club of them all, and believes the Spanish custodian would fill the giant boots of former United No 1 Edwin Van Der Sar, who retired in May 2011.

Steele added if you play for United and you're following a legend along with being young and arriving from another country then it becomes difficult.

Steele said De Gea knows the faith that is going to be shown in him by manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the coaching staff and the rest of the players, as they are the first to recognize when he has played well.

The Old Trafford's goalkeeping further said there are some things De Gea has to learn but he has the backing of people at the club and, so long as he has that, he will continue to develop and become the big goalkeeper for the biggest club.

Steel added one of De Gea's great strengths is calmness, adding they teach him that the calmest man on the field has to be the keeper. (ANI)